Tag Archives: savings

Car Jacker Tries to Steal Car, Can’t Drive Stick

I have been driving ever since I could get my learner’s permit at 14, but in all my time driving, I have never learned how to drive stick shift. There might have been a chapter on it in my driver’s ed class textbook, but I have never needed to learn it.  As any new driver will tell you, driving takes a lot of practice, and stick shift is doubly difficult. For all these reasons, this story coming out of St. Louis, Missouri is just plain bizarre.

On Sunday, June 17, a driver parked in the Saint Louis University parking lot was threatened by an armed robber who demanded the money in the driver’s wallet as well as the car. The driver obliged, but the robber realized that the car was manual transmission. He had no idea how to drive the car, so stealing the car was no longer a viable option.

Now, here’s the kicker. The driver, who already gave the robber $24 out of his wallet, offered to give the robber a ride to wherever he needed to go. The robber agreed, and he even thanked the driver for his help in an awkward situation.

Obviously the police are investigating the incident and hope to find the robber, but honestly, I’m much more curious about the driver. What kind of person lets someone rob them at gun point and then offers to give their attacker a ride? They must be a kind of saint or Jesus Christ returned because this is “turn the other cheek” times ten. “If a man should rob you at gun point and demand your car and wallet, do not respond in kind. Instead, give him everything he asks and give him a ride if he is dumb enough to steal a car he can’t drive.”

Whether you are looking for a manual or automatic transmission, Approved Loan Store can help! We have a huge inventory of new and used vehicles and want to get you into the car you want at terms you can afford!  Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

HIRIKO Cars and the Future of City Driving

Earlier this week, we told you about a survey rating the worst cities in America when it came to time wasted in traffic. New York City came in second place, beating out Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. As bad as traffic is, though, parking in New York City might possibly be worse. Finding a parking spot can be a frustrating experience, and drivers wish their cars could fold in half and squeeze into those small spaces.

As it so happens, the HIRIKO Project wants to make the dream of a fold-able car into a reality. The HIRIKO is a fully electric car built for city driving. Based on MIT’s citycar concept, the vehicle comfortably seats 2 people. When the driver is ready to park, the front egg-like section slides back, and the car becomes half of its normal length and smaller than the tiny Smart Cars currently on the market now.

For anyone who has ever driven in a big city like New York, this is a game-changer. HIRIKO might not be practical for families or people who need trunk space, but it is perfect for a couple going out for a night on the town or someone who has to do a lot of city driving on a daily basis. Besides that, I get such a kick out of watching them fold up. It is like watching a sci-fi movie coming to life. I almost expect to see characters from Tron climbing out of the car with the black jumpsuits and neon stripes.

Check out the HIRIKO in action below.

The HIRIKO won’t be on the market for awhile yet, but Approved Loan Store can help you find the right car for your needs. City driving, country driving, couple, single, family, we can find the right car for you! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and we will set up an appointment with a Special Finance Representative. Also, keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube.

Car Repairs: Save Money and Don’t Do-It-Yourself!

Thanks to do-it-yourself TV shows and YouTube channels, everyone thinks they can become an expert in hair styling, cooking, or car repairs in no time at all. Unsurprisingly, that isn’t really true. Anyone can learn to change a tire or charge the oil, but for most car repairs, you need a certain level of training.

This week, The Car Connection compiled a list of repairs that should really be left to the experts, and after reviewing the list, we at Approved Loan Store have to agree. If you ever run into these problems with your car, don’t take a risk and try to save money by doing it yourself. Talk to friends or read reviews online, and find a trusted mechanic.

Timing-belt replacement – In one case, a DIY customer turned what would have been a $600 repair job for a mechanic into a $3,500 job for a mechanic.

Transmission maintenance or repair – Automatic transmissions are tricky for anyone, and it is too easy to mess up one of the intricate parts and ultimately destroy the transmission.

Overheating – An overheated engine needs a trained mechanic. End of story.

Drivability problems and error codes – When fixing an error code, DIYers sometimes make the mistake of replacing an entire part when there might not even be a problem with that part. Take it to the professionals and let them run tests on the check light.

Replacing suspension components – Labor costs on suspension repairs isn’t bad, and the chance of error is very high. Also, suspension repairs sometimes require specialty equipment that most DIYers won’t have. In the end, it makes much more sense to let a mechanic do it.

Are you looking for a new or used vehicle but your credit is holding you back? Approved Loan Store wants to help! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and we will set up an appointment with a Special Finance Representative. Also, keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube.

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Parents Magazine, Edmunds Find a Car for Every Family

The mini-van might be the classic family car, but new mom and dad drivers have more options open to them in 2012. There are vehicles on the market today that offer comfort, more space, and different styles than the typical “family car.”

Of course, not every car shopper knows what it available on the market to meet their needs, and as a result, they might miss the opportunity to find what they want and what they need all in the same car. For this reason, Parents magazine and Edmunds.com teamed up to make a list of the 15 most family-friendly cars.

Their list was based on numerous factors including safety, price, and the features offered in the vehicle. Additionally, they spoke with everyday parents who “drive these vehicles every day” and know all the advantages and disadvantages personally. Also, they broke the list down into High Mileage, Budget, Crossovers, Sedans, and Large Vehicles, 5 categories total, with 3 vehicles in each category. The least expensive car listed was the Chevrolet Sonic starting at $14,600, and the most expensive was the Dodge Durango starting at $29,990, so there is a car on the list for every budget.

Here is the complete list:

High Mileage

Toyota Prius V
Honda Civic Hybrid
Chevrolet Cruze Eco

Budget

Chevrolet Sonic
Ford Focus
Hyundai Elantra

Crossovers

Mazda 5
Kia Sorento
Honda CR-V

Sedans

Volkswagen Passat
Toyota Camry
Kia Optima

Large Vehicles

Dodge Durango
Toyota Sienna
Honda Odyssey

Are you looking for a new family car? Approved Loan Store wants to help! Good credit, bad credit, big family, Approved Loan Store will find the right car for you! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here. Also, keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube.

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Robert Kirkman, Hyundai Zombie-Proof the Hyundai Elantra Coupe

Zombies have taken over pop culture, and at the forefront of this trend of zombie stories is The Walking Dead comic book series and TV show. Zombie survival books and even this zombie-proof house have been popping up, and The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman has gotten in on the fun by designing the must-have car for the zombie apocalypse.

The car is a tricked-out version of the Hyundai Elantra Coupe. Since Hyundai is sponsoring the car, Kirkman put in a few good words about the car’s safety, maneuverability, and spacious interior, but once he got past the obligatory plug, he showed off some of the features of his zombie-proof car.

First, he added a spiked battering ram to the front. Zombies’ strength is in numbers, and a battering ram “would deflect bodies away from you as you plow through large masses of zombies.” Second, he put blades on the wheels to keep zombies at bay as the car is moving. Thirdly, he designed the car to have metal plates welded on all the windows so that if zombies get too close, they will still have a hard time getting into the car. Finally, he added a guard rail fence around the sunroof and additional headlights mounted on top. With these features, someone could open the sunroof and take shots at zombies, and the lights will give them better visibility.

Putting aside Hyundai’s obvious self-promotion, the concept drawings of the zombie-proof car are pretty awesome. As Kirkman says, he might not know physics and car design, but he does know what you need in a zombie apocalypse. If it looks good on paper, though, it will look even better in real life. Kirkman’s zombie-proof car will actually get built by Hyundai and showcased at the San Diego Comic-Con International next month.

At Approved Loan Store, we have a car for every driver’s needs, from picking the kids up from soccer practice to escaping a zombie mob. Good or bad credit, we want to help you get in the car you need with terms you can afford. Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and check out testimonials by real-life Approved Loan Store customers here! Also, keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Car Shoppers Ready to Buy, Willing to Spend Extra on Perks

Recent reports from Edmunds.com indicate what we have seen first-hand over at Approved Loan Store, which is that car shoppers are eager to buy in 2012.

Thanks to relaxed credit standards, more people are buying cars, but the picture is much bigger than that. Car shoppers are also buying vehicles with more perks and added features, and they are more comfortable considering trucks, SUVs, or other vehicles that go through more gas. They aren’t just looking for cars to get them where they need to go; they want to get the cars that they want.

Over at Approved Loan Store, we get people into every make and model of car every day. Whether you are looking for your first car or your dream car with all the perks, the reps over at Approved Loan Store want to help you get the car you want with the terms you can afford. If it seems too good to be true, take a minute to browse through our customer testimonials. Check out the cars that real people like you have gotten through Approved Loan Store, and hear what they had to say about our service.

“They met my needs, they worked with me and my budget, and everything. They found me the exact car I wanted, and I’m very happy!”

“Approved Loan Store helped me get this beautiful black BMW. Thank you, Jarell and Charles, you were the best!”

“Approved Loan Store helped me get a car, a Toyota 2009. Had a very, very good experience here at the car dealership. Everybody was so nice and kind. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“I’m driving home in my dream car, a Camaro 2011…They made it happen with no problem. I had a great experience!”

To find out what Approved Loan Store can do for you, fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook and following Approved Loan Store on Twitter.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Fact vs. Myth: How a Car Loan Can Improve Your Credit

One of the biggest reasons why consumers have poor credit is because of lackluster financial education and the spread of misinformation regarding how credit scores are calculated. A major misconception is about auto loans and how they can improve or hurt a person’s credit score, and we would like to clear that up today.

Auto loans are one of the best ways of rebuilding a strong credit history. First, car loans are more accessible to consumers with low credit or no credit. Many lenders have been allocating more money towards sub-prime auto loans and offering lower interest rates to make these loans more feasible. Second, car loans are common amongst American consumers, and the number of car owners in this country is growing by leaps and bounds. People needs cars where they might not need or want a credit card.

Consumers can improve their credit by paying their car loan on time over the term of the loan. So long as they are doing that, they are improving their payment history and in turn improving their credit. If a consumer wants to pay it off early, their credit will be improved the exact same as if they had paid it on time for the entire term of the loan. The consumer will not get an extra credit boost for paying off the loan early. The upside, however, is that they won’t have to pay as much in interest and will save money in the long run.

If you are having a hard time getting approved for an auto loan, Approved Loan Store can help! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and get the latest news from the auto and loan industries by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook and following Approved Loan Store on Twitter!

Free images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Prices on 2011, 2010 Vehicles Projected to Drop in June

Car shoppers who have held off on buying so far this year should strongly consider buying in June.

The National Auto Dealers’ Association, or NADA, released findings today that showed the prices on used cars have consistently dropped from May to June. Depending on the vehicle, consumers can save anywhere from $300 up to $900 on 2009, 2010, and 2011 models. Even better, some of the cars that NADA examined are fuel-efficient vehicles like the 2011 Toyota Prius, and for the majority of car buyers, fuel economy is the most important factor in choosing a new car.

For people looking for a new or used car, it seems like the stars are aligning. Lower interest rates, more loans specifically for those with challenged credit, greater flexibility with the loan length, and now, the price of used cars is dropping. Car shoppers have fewer and fewer excuses for not taking the plunge and getting that new or used car.

If you are looking to get in on June’s lower prices, Approved Loan Store can help! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest trends in the auto industry by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook and following Approved Loan Store on Twitter!

Free images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Car Repair: Avoid This Costly Pitfall

At Approved Loan Store, we are always on the look-out for ways for our readers to save money on their new or used car. Oftentimes, though, we focus too much on the initial purchase of the car and don’t consider other long-term expenses associated with that car like insurance or maintenance. We saw this tip from CBS News today and wanted to share it with our readers so they can avoid this costly car maintenance mistake.

Some car dealerships are offering dealer service contracts as part of the car loan agreement. While these agreements do vary (and there are some good service contracts available), some of these service contracts are not worth the money. The contracts are usually more than twice the cost of routine maintenance, and even if the car runs into other problems, the contract might not cover the costs.

Once again, these rules do not apply to every dealer service contract, and depending on the circumstances, it could be the right choice for some car buyers. As always, we recommend reading over the agreement carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is a financial obligation, and you want to make sure that it is worth the cost.

To learn more about buying and maintaining your car without breaking the bank, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook and follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter. If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to get into a new or used car, Approved Loan Store can help, no matter what your credit! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here!

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Lenders Allocate More Funds to Credit-Challenged Car Loan Applicants

As the country continues to recover economically, lenders are wooing consumers with better rates on auto loans, even for consumers with challenged credit.

According to Experian Automotive, lenders across the country have allocated more money to sub-prime auto loans while also cutting interest rates across the board and relaxing the terms of repayment. Experian Automotive called the trend “good for everyone,” and analysts hope that by relaxing the loan terms, the auto industry will continue boosting the overall economy.

Some have expressed the concern that if lenders relax their standards, unreliable people will get auto loans and won’t make their payments. The funny part about their theory, though, is that late payments are currently at their lowest rate in over a decade even as the industry is lending to consumers with challenged credit. It goes to show you that there are plenty of consumers who have run into problems in the past but are ready to rebuild their credit through an auto loan.

With interest rates down and better terms available, it has never been a better time to buy! Approved Loan Store wants to help you get into a car, no matter what your credit situation. Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and you will hear from an Approved Loan Store representative in 24-48 hours. You can also keep up with the latest news and trends in the auto industry by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook and following Approved Loan Store on Twitter.

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